Last Updated on 02/26/2021 by Veronica Jones
As one of the most adorable pets to own, you might be interested in ferrets and wonder: how much do ferrets cost? Known to be friendly and easy to maintain, ferrets have been around the world and most households as a popular pocket pet.
However, before you own a pet, such as a ferret, you have to know the specific costs and what else you need. Therefore, we wrote this article as a guide to help you out in terms of pricing and budgeting.
Keeping pets is more than just an emotional commitment – you also need to be financially ready to own and take care of your ferret.
If you’re interested in knowing the costs of owning a ferret, which includes its food, shelter, healthcare, and other necessities, read on the guide below to find out more.
How much do ferrets cost?
Owning a ferret requires a budget of somewhere between $50 and $250 depending on the following aspects:
Where you got the ferret from
Private breeders are typically the pricier sources since you can expect them to give you a tour of their humble abode. They will usually give you the ferret details, including their living conditions, the parents of the ferret, their medical history, and more.
Furthermore, they will even present you with certificates to prove the ferret’s health and genetics.
Pricier breeds that you can get from a private breeder could be around $200 or more, especially if it is a rare breed or color.
The best advantage of having a pet breeder is that you can choose what type of pet you like, and you’ll know if the pet was taken care of in good condition. You have less risk of getting a sick pet, and they’ll usually be properly trained.
If you buy from pet stores, they’re a little cheaper than private breeders. Take note that they are less reliable when it comes to pet history, so you might end up buying a very sick or temperamental ferret.
Unlike breeders, pet stores sell pets in bulk, so your ferret might have an attitude problem or undetected sickness. However, if you’re just looking for a beginner pet, going to a pet store is okay if you just want to have a ferret for your own (or for your kids).
You can also have your ferret by visiting a local rescue or shelter (or even online). Adoption fees will be around $15 if you choose to grab your pet from shelters.
Moreover, some of these rescues may even give the pet for free, so long as you meet the requirements. We think that adopting a pet is more beneficial to the whole pet industry because it lessens pet overpopulation.
Many pet owners end up having to abandon their ferrets in the streets when they can no longer take care of them financially, physically, and emotionally.
Therefore, adopting them will give them a second or third chance to find a new home to love and be loved. We, humans, have a choice but our pets don’t, and that’s why we need to be more considerate to them by adopting when possible.
Coat and breeding
Special ferret breeds, such as the Black Sable Ferret, are usually on the higher end of the scale, which may sometimes be as expensive as $250 per pet.
On the other hand, the regular Sable Ferrets tend to be around $130, so they are mid-range pets. If you’re short on budget, consider a White Albino Ferret, which you might get for as low as $50.
Beginners are best advised to go for the White Albino Ferret due to not being too costly and easy to find, whether you go to the pet store, breeder, or adoption shelter.
If you aren’t too sure that taking care of a ferret suits your lifestyle (or your kid’s preferences), going for a low-priced and common ferret is a good first choice.
The special ferret breeds, however, are only mostly obtainable from a private breeder. If you can’t find one in your locality, try asking your friends or search online for reputable breeders with such breeds.
You should familiarize yourself with the breed qualities first to avoid being tricked by any breeder who might not be true to their word.
The ferret’s age
Baby ferrets and adult ferrets cost differently as with most pets. That’s because baby ferrets have this attitude problem that needs to be corrected to get into adulthood smoothly, which includes the biting problem.
As with any baby pet, a baby ferret is usually tedious to train, and that’s why you need a lot of time and dedication for them. Therefore, adults might cost more since they have already been trained and spent more time, money, and food.
Cost breakdown for ferrets
Ferrets aren’t the only expense when you decide to keep them – you’ll need other specifics, such as food, shelter, medicine, and the like. If you’re curious about what other fees you can expect, here are some of them:
Cage
A cage will be around $110 when you look for one in most pet stores. However, this cage price range is not exact – it can change depending on the size of the cage, how many features it has, and many other factors, especially pet safety.
Additionally, if you’ll need cage accessories, prepare about $30 depending on how big the cage is. Consider a cage that is around 2 x 2 x 3 inches minimum per ferret to allow them to wander around properly.
After all, playtime and privacy are both crucial for a ferret, as with most caged pets.
Bedding
Bedding is crucial for a ferret to keep them comfortable when they sleep or play around. Expect around $15 for ferret bedding. Consider looking for bedding that uses pet-friendly materials – many of these are found in pet stores in your local area or online.
Food
Keeping your ferret happy and healthy depends on the food they receive. About $15 for standard ferret food is usually expected.
Ferret food is easily found and sold in most pet stores or online. It also helps to serve them raw food from time to time other than store-bought food to keep them healthy and strong.
Vet Fees
This is the little bump in the road that most beginner pet owners often feel scared about. Vet fees will cost around $200 depending on where you live.
Having a vet nearby is essential if you want to extend the lifespan of your little furry friend in case they have medical emergencies – you’re doing this because you care for them.
Adopting vs. breeder: which is better?
We think that adopting is better than getting from a breeder. That’s because you are giving a second home or chance to the pet who deserves a loving and caring family.
Sure, they might have been abandoned for certain problems, such as financial or behavioral problems, but if you try adoption, they will have a renewed chance to make things right and live happily ever after.
Keep in mind that breeders are still okay because they have responsible pet ownership. However, if you’re looking for a less expensive way of owning a pet and contributing to lessening pet overpopulation, adoption is the better option.
Moreover, adoption centers are also rescues that take away ferrets off the streets so they won’t be harmed by abuse.
How many ferrets should you own?
As with owning any pet, ferrets need a lot of time, dedication, and funds to keep them satisfied and healthy. If you’re a beginner at pet keeping or if you have limited space for a cage, we suggest only 1 ferret, but if you can handle 2, it’s okay.
After all, ferrets are social creatures and need a buddy when you’re gone.
Should I buy an adult or baby ferret?
Whether you want to get an adult or baby depends on your preferences. However, here’s what to expect from them:
Adult ferrets
An adult ferret will:
- not require too much behavioral training
- have a personality that might or might not click with you
- not need special food, unlike babies
- be more ideal for busy people
- usually be often found in shelters or rescues, but some breeders have them as well
- still require 4 to 6 hours of training daily
Baby ferret
A baby ferret, on the other hand, will:
- be more difficult to train
- need a lot of time and devotion
- require special food
- match your personality during their development
- spend more of their years with you
- usually, be often found in pet breeders
Conclusion
In the long run, ferrets are not as expensive as you think unless you want to get a unique breed from breeders.
Take note that buying a ferret is one thing but having to spend on the consumables and the other necessities is another budget you have to prepare for.
